Juvenile Corrections and transformation 12/2/25

from "final class" presentation - for the final exam

what are the 3 kinds of programs identified for “at risk” youth

1. corrective = primary choice; eliminating conditions that allow/cause criminal behavior; address the root causes of criminal behavior - like gangs/poverty

2. punitive = relies on punishment; only really works in the short term

3. mechanical = prison; makes it “impossible” with the bars to be involved in criminal acts; literally can not get in trouble because you have no resources

main goals/ideas of the office of juvenile justice delinquency prevention (OJJDP)

• strengthen families to instill moral values = families have a large impact

• support core social institutions(school, religious places, community orgs, etc) = keep kids involved in their community

• delinquency prevention strats to decrease risk factors and increase protective factors

  • risk = if you lack someone in risk factors thats where the risk comes from (family, friends, etc)

  • protective = mentors, clubs, families etc

• intervene immediately = the longer you wait, the worse it gets

• graduated sanctions approach = stepping stones to find a proper solution; doesn’t jump straight to jail time but rather goes through a risk assessment and responds accordingly

• control small group of serious offenders = spend more time with higher risk people

  • if yo spend a lot of time with low risk juvs. it can actually lead to rearrest

what are the 4 types of corrections for juvs. (4)

1. retribution = punishment for the sake of punishment = kind of what we have rn basically

2. incapacitation = locking people up so they cant commit any more crime; which straight up doesnt work (vengeance, in jail crime, lack of control by guards, etc)

3. deterrence = prevents crime by showing the costs/benefits = has to be severe enough to work; swift, severe, and it will definitely happen

4. rehabilitation = positive, progressive attempt to address offenders needs; cost effective and long lasting (look at Swedish prison system)

what are some of the conditions in prison for the juveniles

• no privacy

• no proper beds

• uncomfy

• inhumae

what is the missouri model for corrections

• smaller group homes, camps, treatment facilties

• safety through relationships = peers/mentors

  • communication and connection

• reduction in isolation = can be severely mentally disabiliting/stunting

• dedicated youth development specialist = staff people who actually know what they are doing

what are the 2 approaches for the missouri model

1. screen out youth who pose minimal danger to the public safety = if they wont be a safety issue there is not reason to keep them enclosed in this space; use other methods like probation at home

2. multilayers treatment experience designed to help make lasting changes

what are some strats used in the missouri model (4)

• families as partners = as stated before they are a vital part of rehabilitation

  • travel can impact relationship so its important to keep that in mind

• opportunities for hands on learning

• high-caliber staff = get people who care and know what they are doing

• pre-release planning = what are you going to do when you go home; schedule, meetings, family involvement, activities, etc

values of missouri model

• every person wants to succeed and can succeed

• public safety is served by not shaming them

• youth cannot be scared straight or be deterred by fear of punishment

• every young person requires individualized attention

• youth typically suffer from lack of emotional maturity

• all behavior has that underlying emotional purpose/connection

• most youth have low confidence in their ability to succeed

what are the 4 outcomes of the Missouri Model

• assaults on staff members decrease = better connections and relationship with those trying to help the youth

• progress in education = education levels are increasing

• transition back into community was better = more positive more responsive

• reduction in cost due to shorter periods of time in confinement

what are the core 10 principles of transforming juvenile justice

1. individualized probation = every kid is a unique new case

2. promote equity = every kids situation is different

3. align practice with research = follow the research/numbers that are given to us

4. minimize conditions of probation

5. minimize confinement

6. look to encourage success

7. be a bridge to opportunity = we are there to help them succeed, how can we do that

8. be a coach/teacher/mentor/advocate

9. aim for progress not perfection = it is hard to maintain; stepping stones; every improvement counts

10. hold probation accountable for meaningful results = accountability is key and it shows results